What does “Better early than late.” mean?
"Better early than late" means it is better to do something or arrive somewhere early than to be late or miss an opportunity.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I always make sure to arrive at the airport early. Better early than late. I don't want to risk missing my flight.
Example
She finished her assignment ahead of time. Better early than late. She didn't want to rush and submit a subpar work.
Example
He decided to leave the party early. Better early than late. He didn't want to get stuck in traffic on the way home
Is “Better early than late.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Better early than late.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Better early than late.” effectively in context?
You can use "Better early than late" to emphasize the importance of being punctual and prepared. It suggests that it is preferable to do something or arrive somewhere early rather than being late or missing an opportunity. For example, if a friend is running late for a job interview, you might say, 'Better early than late. You don't want to make a bad impression by being tardy.'
- 1Travel
I always make sure to arrive at the airport early. Better early than late. I don't want to risk missing my flight.
- 2Work
She finished her assignment ahead of time. Better early than late. She didn't want to rush and submit a subpar work.
- 3Social Events
He decided to leave the party early. Better early than late. He didn't want to get stuck in traffic on the way home.
Similar phrases to “Better early than late.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Better early than late.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Better early than late" is unknown.
Is “Better early than late.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Better early than late" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to stress the importance of punctuality and being prepared.
What tone does “Better early than late.” have?
"Better early than late" conveys a tone of practicality and responsibility. It encourages individuals to prioritize timeliness and avoid the negative consequences of being late.
Can “Better early than late.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Better early than late" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that emphasizes the value of punctuality. You can use it in various situations, such as casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts like business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She arrived at the meeting early. Better early than late.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Better early than late!' to remind someone of the importance of being on time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- punctuality is key
- arrive early, leave early
- timeliness matters
- be on time
- don't be late
Antonyms
- better late than never
- take your time
- fashionably late
- delay is not a problem
- being fashionably late is acceptable
